The man, who is around the same age as Ben Needham would be now, came forward after the Needham family took part in a Greek missing persons programme.
On the show, they appealed for information as to what could have happened to the toddler, who disappeared nearly 24 years ago while on holiday on the Greek island of Kos.
However it has now been revealed that the man is an impostor - and that this is not the first time he has tried to swindle the heartbroken family.
On the Help Find Ben Needham Facebook page, a post said "the man who called the show is an old lead".
The man was DNA-tested by police several years ago, where it was revealed that he was not the missing toddler.
However, despite this disappointment, police have seven new leads to follow up in the missing child case.
Ben vanished when he was just 21 months old during a family holiday on the island of Kos in 1991.
Ever since then, the Needhams have been convinced that their little boy was taken by a gypsy family - and, despite the fact there has been no trace of him since, they are still hopeful that he will be found.
Speaking on the show, 43-year-old Kerry Needham said firmly: “Ben will be found.
“As soon as the calls started coming in it felt like this is a new beginning. We have lived our lives like a roller coaster with every day torture.
“We have had many disappointments over the years. It’s devastating when it’s not Ben.
“There are now leads being followed up. We can’t go into details. I hope Ben has a good life. I have to hope he is healthy and happy.”
She added emotionally: “Please end the pain that my family is suffering. I know he’s out there somewhere. Please call the police and please put an end to this.”
Nearly 30 people made contact with South Yorkshire Police after the televised appeal.
Police had said that there are several lines of inquiry to explore since the appeal and will be working with the Greek authorities in order to aid the search for the toddler from Sheffield.
A spokesperson said: "Many pieces of information were submitted by the audience, including the names of two individuals who have already been spoken to and DNA-tested as part of the inquiry. Both were proven not to be Ben.
"A photograph of a third individual was also submitted to the show. This is not currently being treated as a key line of enquiry, however, police will make contact with him as part of the investigation."